Monday 24 September 2018

Settling in to Autumn



In sharp contrast to the heavy rain and blustery winds of last week, autumn has officially arrived, bringing with it some sunshine, blue skies and crisp, cold weather. The darkness of early morning has given way to a beautiful but very chilly day, and Lily was most excited to announce 'Mummy, I've found my breath!' as we walked through the village to school.
It has been two weeks since the beginning of the autumn term and Lily has slotted back into the regular school routine once again, which is such a relief, although, I wish I could say the same for myself. I've been finding this whole transition period a little unsettling. I am aware I'm juggling a few extra balls this year but it's taking more getting used to than I originally anticipated. I think I just need to have faith in myself, be a bit more patient, and hopefully everything will eventually fall into place. With a bit of luck, I will be left wondering what I was so stressed about in the first place.





We are still getting out in the garden at every opportunity. Lily is using it mainly as some kind of a mud kitchen with her bucket and spade! In between clearing away small piles of mud, I've trimmed back the hedges that I wanted to get done before the winter months, and have been harvesting the tomatoes and beans on an almost daily basis. Thankfully they all managed to withstand the heavy winds. Remember the failed strawberry plants? Well, one out of the nine of them looked OK, so rather than bin it, I moved it into a large empty pot, and it has thrived and filled the pot with runners. I will have to wait and see if it provides us with any fruit next year.





Indoors, I've been busy turning the tomatoes into delicious meals and soups, I can hardly keep up with them since they started ripening. The sofa throws are being used as the evenings turn cooler, and we are gradually adjusting to the shorter days. I've picked up my crochet again, as I really want to try and get Lily's blanket finished before winter. It feels lovely when I'm working on it, nestled in the comfort and warmth of the wool.

Recipe for tomato soup:

50g butter
2 chopped onions
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of plain flour
1 litre of vegetable stock
1 kg tomatoes
2 tablespoons of tomato puree
Fresh basil

Melt butter and gently fry the onions and garlic until soft.
Add the flour and mix well, taking care not to let it burn, then gradually add the stock, stirring all the time.
Add the tomatoes, tomato puree and basil and allow to simmer for around 30 minutes.
Blitz with a hand blender then sieve to remove any pips and pulp.

J. X

58 comments:

  1. Such a lovely start of autumn post, thank you. I am absolutely sure those strawberries will bear you lots of delicious fruit next summer.
    xx

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    1. Thank you Joy. I'm feeling hopeful about the strawberries. I am so surprised at how that one small plant has taken in it's new pot. X

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  2. You look thoroughly settled in - warm cosy days, a cat, crocheting and a contented family. Look after yourself.
    xx

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    1. I'm getting there Mum, and working on the rest. X

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  3. A blanket is the perfect project for autumn as it keeps you warm whilst you work on it. It's a beautiful day here today, blue skies and sunshine, I don't mind autumn days like this at all, it's the dull, soggy ones which I'm not so keen on. That soup looks delicious, back to warming meals once again.

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    1. I get so cosy underneath the blanket that I am loath to put it down when I've been working on it. I love the bright, cold Autumn days, the damp, grey ones not so much. X

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  4. I love being able to chuck everything into a pan and it makes a delicious soup. The rain has been miserable, I much prefer the sunshine we are experiencing today. Beautiful.

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    1. I love a good soup, especially after I've been out for a walk in the cold. It's lovely to have some sunshine again after the horrible wind and rain we experienced last week. X

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  5. It's definitely much cooler now but at least the sun is shining again today. Try not to stress about your schedule but I know that's easier said than done when you're a busy Mum. Your tomatoes and beans look perfect and fingers crossed for delicious strawberries next year. Your crocheted blanket looks lovely and I see your cat is very content there.

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    1. I am trying my best not to stress Eileen, but I am, by my own admission, a dreadful worrier. I will even worry that there's nothing to worry about. One thing at a time, I'm OK with, it's when the little things build up that I struggle, although instead of panicking I am now thinking more logically and coming up with some solutions.
      I wish I could be more 'cat'. X

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  6. Hi Jules, I love to see children being children, digging around, getting dirty etc
    We still have lots of tomatoes to pick, I roasted some with a sprinkle of herbs de provence tonight and they were so sweet and tasty. I love the colours you have chosen for the blanket, they really do compliment each other. xx

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    1. Lily loves getting messy Marlene, and I really don't mind. Wellies are always on and off at the door.
      That sounds like a simple but delicious way to eat your tomatoes. I am going to need to use up some more of mine today. I have been pleasantly surprised at how many we've managed to harvest from what was just an inexpensive packet of seeds. X

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  7. Love your crochet project, the shade of pink is a delight. We are missing the produce from the garden this year and had hoped to have made a start by now. There is always next year...

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    1. Thank you. I do like pink and grey together. I really hope you are able to grow some garden produce next year. X

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  8. I love your title 'Settling in to Autumn' that just sums up how I feel at the moment. We too are out in our cottage garden at the moment - the weather is just right, dry, sunny and calm. I found my strawberries did well in a pot - perhaps they like deep pots.
    It is hard switching routines with the change of seasons. I am nowhere near developing a new one since leaving work everyday is a bit wait and see at the moment - mainly wait and see what the weather is doing!
    Your soup looks delicious do you have a recipe?

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    1. The strawberry plant has been a pleasant surprise. Previously, I had a row of them in the same large container which grew our tomatoes but for some reason they weren't happy there and didn't produce. Thankfully, the tomatoes did. I will just have to wait and see if we get any fruit next year.
      It will no doubt take a while for you to settle in to your non - working life. Although, you are always so busy! You put me to shame.
      I'll post the recipe soon. X

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  9. That surviving strawberry plant looks very healthy indeed and should provide plenty of little plants for next year with a bit of luck.

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    1. I do hope so Pat. For some reason I haven't had much success with strawberries. X

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  10. I find something very cosy and reassuring about autumn days arriving, the return of routine, the tasty meals, your soup looks delicious xx

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    1. I quite like a routine Cheryl, even after the freedom of the Summer months. I think, once I've got mine figured out and settled into it, I will be fine. I'm loving the bright Autumn days too. X

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  11. Yum! That tomato soup looks wonderful! It's good to know that Lily found her breath! She's so precious! I'm glad she's settled into her school routine and I hope you will settle into yours, too, without too much stress. It's hard to juggle everything, so, do be patient with yourself.

    It sounds like autumn has definitely arrived in your area and looks like Mog approves! Your garden looks lovely, too, and I'm glad your one strawberry plant is making up for the loss of the rest! Hopefully, it will continue to thrive and make lots of new plants for you.

    Take care and enjoy the season and the changes in rhythm that it brings.

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    1. The soup was very tasty Bless. I love being able to enjoy delicious, warming meals at this time of year.
      Children say such funny things don't they. They regularly have me laughing out loud. Lily more than most. And I'm sure I'll be feeling more settled once my working hours are sorted. I'm in a bit of a limbo at the moment.
      I am enjoying the bright Autumn weather though, I just wish I could relax as easily as Mog. X

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  12. Your words are encouraging me to return to my crochet also...I have ideas in my head for young Henry...knitting as well. Autumn...beautiful in its fading glory! x

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    1. You have a wonderful reason to pick up those knitting needles Jackie. Huge congratulations to you all. I am expecting photographs as soon as you are able. :) X

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  13. This post is full of so much cozy!
    I love the blanket you are working on.
    The colors are beautiful!
    I hope you are settling into this new season and that you have a cozy evening. : )

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  14. Your soup looks delish and lovely crochet, looked like one of Lucy's patterns?

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    1. Thank you Chris. The blanket isn't any particular pattern, I'm just using a shell stitch. X

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  15. Lovely, warm photos! Although early Spring here, today has dawned all showery and overcast and quite cold. A day for inside projects. I love the colours of your blanket. I have a washcloth to finish but realised I need to pull out a few rows to fix a mistake so I will probably sort that out later on. I hope thing fall into place for you soon. Meg:)

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    1. Thank you Meg. Mistakes are frustrating aren't they, especially if you gone past by a few rows. I hope it's easily sorted for you. X

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  16. It does take time to get used to the changes of summer to autumn. Less structure gives way to time management and have to do and have to be lists. We all adjust but the loss of daylight is the most difficult. Warm soups, comfy blankets and maybe baked apples with ice cream make it easier.

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    1. It's a work in progress Arleen. I do like a bit of structure and routine at this time of year, but I'm just in a bit of a limbo at the moment. Yes, fewer daylight hours can take a bit of getting used to but keeping cosy and eating comforting foods certainly helps. Hope all is well with you. X

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  17. The sofa blankets are out here too Jules. The evenings are getting very chilly.
    Homemade soup is on the menu for next week....yum, yum.

    I hope you soon find your feet and get back on an even keel.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. I do like keeping cosy with the blankets in an evening, even if it does mean the days are getting shorter. It's getting time for warm sweaters and comfort food. Love to smudge. X

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  18. Your blanket looks cosy, the soup looks delicious and great news the strawberry plants thriving

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    1. Thank you Julie. It's a lovely and warm sitting under the blanket while I work on it. X

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  19. Jules, your soup looks so delicious.
    I don't have home grown tomatoes, but I'd like to try your recipe. I have several tomatoes in the fridge. :)
    I hope you have a no-stress week and things will fall into place soon.
    XX
    Nil

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    1. Thank you Nil. It is a tasty soup. I've already got some stored in my freezer and I am going to make some more this week. X

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  20. It is definitely an adjustment not just for them, but also for us moms when the children go back to school. I hope things settle for you soon. I know they will! Your tomato soup looks delicious. Take care and enjoy these early, autumn days.

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    1. I think the adjustment is probably more difficult for us. Children seem to adapt to change much more readily. I'm sure things will fall into place soon. X

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  21. Oh my … your tomato soup looks good, I can smell it from here! LOL!
    Seriously that does look a tasty bowl.

    So pleased Lily has settled back into the school routine.
    I loved seeing your photographs, such a nice selection.

    Hope your week is going well

    All the best Jan

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    1. I am a huge fan of soup Jan, although not the kind that comes in tins. I don't often choose tomato soup, but this one is delicious and (important for me) simple to make. X

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  22. Hmm, something has happened and I don't seem to be able to comment as CT? Anyway, glad Lily is well and hope things settle down for you xx

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    1. I hope you manage to get it sorted soon. Just a few more things to sort and I will be feeling more settled, I'm sure. X

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  23. Brilliant Post,wish mine were a bit more exciting lol.Love the photos,great to see the tomatoes and Beans.I will try your recipe,I'm a great Soup fan.Your moggy is just gorgeous too what is her\his name.I love that pattern you are crocheting,may I ask what it's called and the colours are so pretty too.It's always a bit daunting when our routine changes,we do get anxious but as you say don't over think it and it will be ok.Hugs xx

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    1. Thank you Lee. Soup is delicious and warming at his time of the year isn't it.
      Funny you should ask about the moggy, as her name is Mog! We adopted her on Hallowe'en, three years ago, and at that time Lily's favourite book was Meg and Mog, so it seemed appropriate.
      The blanket is just rows of shell stitch and I'm changing the colour every ten rows. I just fancied trying out a new stitch and got a bit carried away. 😃 X

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  24. Got it sorted! Cookies and caches ☹️ X

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    1. At least I know now, in case it ever happens to me. 😆

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  25. We are overrun with tomatoes too. I've been freezing them for sauce bases, cooking them with garlic and chili to serve on toast with Parmesan, eating them as they are, giving them away and still they keep coming. Shame the sweet peas weren't as prolific. Two tiny bunches before they gave up :(

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    1. They seemed to ripen all of a sudden. It's a good job I love tomatoes. There are only a few left now, which I will bring inside to ripen in the fruit bowl, and then I can clear out the planter. I've already bought my sweet pea seeds ready for next year, I thought I would try and grow some after seeing the lovely display at the garden I visited. X

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  26. I find that the change of seasons is not difficult except between summer and autumn. Less daylight affects me the most. However, it is nice to get back to cooking soup and to cozy up under a blanket. The cool air will be very much welcomed here when it comes.

    The tomato soup looks wonderful and is inspiring me, although, my tomatoes are long gone.

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    1. The lessening of daylight hours doesn't help Arleen, although I do enjoy being able to draw the curtains and cosy in. My new routine is just taking a bit of getting used to.
      The tomato soup is delicious, and fortunately, I still have plenty more in the freezer. X

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  27. "'Mummy, I've found my breath!'"

    Precious!

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